It’s time for “Stick in Link”, the feature where we just plug in a bunch of stuff written by others! Featuring a smattering of links from around the Smylosphere and beyond every Tuesday and Thursday. Warning: our links are so hyper, they change colour when exposed to heat. (Have something for us to share in the next edition? E-mail us at [email protected] or tweet us @passittobulis. Or tell us some other way. The point is: we'll probably link it if we know about it.)
- First things first, this article ostensibly by John Scott is a must read. The fact that the NHL tried to use Scott’s children to shame him out of participating in the All-Star Game is utterly infuriating. Kudos to whichever ghostwriter took Scott’s words and turned them into an article that made me legitimately emotional. And pointing out it was ghostwritten is not a slight towards Scott’s intelligence, but I’ve never met an engineer who writes that well. [The Player’s Tribune]
- Great quotes from Jannik Hansen in the latest edition of The Provies, but some fans will be more intrigued by Botchford suggesting the Canucks will sign Anton Rodin to something in the range of a one-way, $1.1 million contract. [The Province]
- That’s exciting news, as it looked like Rodin was a write-off when he went back to Sweden, but his elite production—his 37 points in 33 games at one point led the league—got him back on the Canucks’ radar. Though a skate-cut injury ended his season in the SHL, he’s still worth signing. His speed, skill, and devastatingly accurate shot give him legitimate top-six upside.
- Ben Hutton has had his ups and downs this season. Oddly enough, his downs have all been when he’s been paired with Matt Bartkowski or Luca Sbisa. Weird, right? [The White Towel]
- Why was Jake Virtanen chosen to be the face of the jersey reveal for the upcoming retro night? [Always90Four]
- This article is mostly about Aleksander Barkov and his emergence as one of the best playmakers in the NHL, but there’s a neat bit towards the end that details how the Sedins and Joe Thornton are the best passers in the NHL in the offensive zone. [Sportsnet]
- Speaking of the Sedins, after The Hockey News snubbed them both in their top-50 rankings, TSN at least gets them in the mix, with Daniel coming in at 23 and Henrik at 35. With that and Daniel getting the lone All-Star nod and setting the franchise record in goals, Daniel’s going to be insufferable at family gatherings for a while. What’s that? You were injured? I’m sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of how awesome I am. [TSN]
- There's no need to get angry at those that hate the Sedins. Just mock them mercilessly instead. [One Canuck]
- Meanwhile, the trade rumours/discussions/arguments are beginning in earnest. Ryan Biech looks at potential trade destinations for Radim Vrbata, including perennial trade partners the Florida Panthers. [VanCity Buzz]
- The other big potential trade piece for the Canucks is Dan Hamhuis. Bob McKenzie reports around the 20-minute mark of this that teams will be keeping a close eye on Hamhuis as he returns to gauge how much the injury has affected his play, but also notes that it’s unclear if the Canucks will even attempt to trade him. [TSN 1040]
- What would the market be for Hamhuis? Dmitri Filipovic notes that capable defencemen tend to come at a premium at the trade deadline, with a first round pick not out of the question. He also floats the idea of trading him as a rental, then bringing him back in free agency. With his ties to BC, it makes a lot of sense. [Canucks Army]
- The AHL has their All-Star Game this weekend too and Hunter Shinkaruk is excited for the opportunity to represent the Utica Comets [Utica Comets]
- Chris Higgins picked up a point—an assist on a Jordan Subban goal—in his first game as a Comet and is taking the demotion about as well as could be expected. [Utica Comets]
- Great stuff from Ryan Biech on Thatcher Demko and whether the Canucks will look to sign him this summer. [Canucks Army]
- Finally, you have to watch this feature on Jake Virtanen and how he takes the memory of his best friend, Ryan Donaldson, with him every time he steps on the ice. Stick-tap to r/Canucks for passing along this video that was meant to air during the World Juniors. [Bell]
